STI: Stop the redness with fruit

June 21, 2009

Stop the redness with fruit

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) experts answer your queries in this fortnightly column. Remember, you should not self-medicate. Always consult a practitioner.

By Gerard Yeo

I am suffering from acne rosacea. Can TCM help?

Acne rosacea is a chronic skin disease with persistent redness on the forehead, chin and nose. The blood vessels in these areas become inflammed and are more visible.

The condition is frequently mistaken for acne. But unlike acne, there are no symptoms such as blackheads or whiteheads.

It is caused by a deficiency in the functions of the lung, liver and stomach, heat in the lungs and stomach and excessive liver fire.

Also responsible are pathogenic factors such as heat, dampness and fire.

Facial acupuncture and cupping therapy can improve your condition by enhancing the organs and dispelling the pathogenic factors.

Chinese medicine such as Rehmannia Root (Dihuang) and Chinese Angelica (Danggui) are prescribed to improve the flow of blood and body fluids as well as reduce blood heat.

In addition, Snakegourd Root (Tianhuafen) and Baical Skullcap Root (Huangqin) are prescribed to reduce lung heat and increase body fluids.

Abstain from smoking, alcohol, coffee, tea as well as spicy and oily food such as peanuts and chocolate as these create heat and dampness.

Instead, eat more porridge, vegetables and fruit to strengthen the digestive system and reduce stomach heat and dampness. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and cold environments.

Information provided by Ms Lim Lay Beng, a TCM physician at YS Healthcare TCM Clinic in The Adelphi.